These soft, tender pull-apart rolls are delicately scented with citrus and finished with a light orange glaze. Perfect for brunch, special gatherings, or gifting, they offer a beautiful balance of sweetness and freshness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy thanks to a rich, well-hydrated dough. The combination of orange juice, zest, and optional orange blossom water creates a fragrant citrus flavor that feels special yet comforting. The recipe yields two pans, making it ideal for sharing while still keeping some for yourself. They are versatile enough to serve plain, glazed, or paired with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rolls
1/2 cup (113 g) lukewarm water
1/2 cup (113 g) lukewarm orange juice
1/2 cup (113 g) sour cream, at room temperature
1 large egg
1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) table salt
1/3 cup (74 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest or 1/2 teaspoon orange oil
1 1/2 teaspoons orange blossom water, optional
4 1/4 cups (510 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
Glaze
1 cup (113 g) confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons (21–28 g) orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water, optional
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, orange juice, sour cream, egg, salt, sugar, orange zest, orange blossom water, flour, and instant yeast. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 7 minutes, or in a stand mixer on medium-low speed for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The dough should become puffy and slightly less sticky, though it may not double in size.
Gently deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly greased surface. Divide it into 24 equal pieces, about 41 g each.
Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them evenly in two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
Cover the pans and let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours, until noticeably puffy.
Near the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, snip a shallow cross into the top of each roll to create a flower-like pattern.
Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
To prepare the glaze, mix the confectioners’ sugar with orange juice and orange blossom water until smooth. Drizzle over the warm or lukewarm rolls.
Servings and timing
Servings: 24 rolls
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rising time: about 2 hours 30 minutes
Bake time: 20 to 23 minutes
Total time: approximately 3 hours 20 minutes
Variations
For a richer flavor, substitute milk for the water in the dough. You can add a small amount of ground cardamom or cinnamon for a warm spice note. Lemon juice and zest can replace orange for a different citrus profile. For a less sweet finish, glaze only lightly or skip the glaze and brush the rolls with melted butter instead.
Storage/Reheating
Store the rolls covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm individual rolls in the microwave for a few seconds or place a covered pan in a low oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.
Is orange blossom water necessary?
No, it is optional. The rolls will still have a pleasant citrus flavor without it.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but dissolve it in the warm liquids first and allow it to activate before mixing the dough.
Why didn’t my rolls rise much?
Possible reasons include expired yeast or liquids that were too hot or too cold.
Can I make this recipe in one pan instead of two?
Yes, but the rolls will be more crowded and may require a slightly longer baking time.
How do I get evenly sized rolls?
Weigh each piece of dough to ensure uniform size and even baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it will affect both flavor and softness.
What kind of flour works best?
Standard all-purpose flour works well and gives a soft, tender crumb.
Can these rolls be made dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free sour cream alternatives, though texture may vary.
When should I glaze the rolls?
Glaze them while they are still slightly warm so the glaze spreads easily.
Conclusion
Orange Blossoms are a beautifully soft and aromatic roll that brings bright citrus flavor to the table. With their tender crumb, light glaze, and elegant presentation, they are perfect for sharing and celebrating any occasion, whether casual or special.
Orange Blossoms are soft, citrus-scented pull-apart rolls glazed with a light orange icing. Fluffy and delicately sweet, they’re perfect for brunch, gifting, or any special occasion where a tender, aromatic bread is welcome.
1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, orange juice, sour cream, egg, salt, sugar, orange zest, orange blossom water (if using), flour, and yeast. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead by hand for 7 minutes or in a stand mixer for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until puffy.
Deflate dough gently and turn out onto a lightly greased surface. Divide into 24 equal pieces (about 41 g each).
Shape each piece into a ball and arrange in two greased 9-inch round pans.
Cover and let rise for another 1 1/2 hours until puffy.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Optionally snip a cross on each roll for a flower look.
Bake for 20–23 minutes until lightly golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Make glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with orange juice and optional orange blossom water. Drizzle over warm or lukewarm rolls.
Notes
Substitute milk for water for richer flavor.
Add cardamom or cinnamon for a spiced version.
Use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for variation.
Brush with melted butter instead of glazing for a less sweet option.
Freeze rolls for up to 2 months; reheat before serving.
